London, 6 April 2025 –
In a major win for working families across the UK, a new legal right to Neonatal Care Leave and Pay comes into effect today, offering eligible parents up to 12 additional weeks of paid leave if their baby requires neonatal care. This transformative change is part of the Government’s wider Plan for Change, aimed at boosting worker protections and supporting families during critical life moments.
From today, parents whose babies are admitted to neonatal care within the first 28 days after birth and remain for 7 consecutive days or more, will be entitled to day-one leave and pay rights — on top of existing maternity, paternity, and parental leave entitlements.
⸻
A Lifeline for Families in Crisis
Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders, in a meeting with campaigners from The Smallest Things, Bliss, and Working Families, praised the move:
“The campaigners and parents who have had to experience their children in neonatal care are an inspiration to us all. This new leave and pay entitlement ensures parents, wherever they work, have the vital relief they need to focus on their newborn.”
Women’s Health Minister Baroness Merron added:
“No parent should have to choose between being with their vulnerable newborn or returning to work. This action gives families the peace of mind they deserve.”
⸻
A Decade of Campaigning Bears Fruit
The new law marks the culmination of over ten years of campaigning by charities and parent advocates.
Catriona Ogilvy, founder of The Smallest Things, shared:
“This is the result of a decade of tireless campaigning by neonatal parents themselves. Neonatal Leave gives families back stolen time — to bond, to recover, and to simply be with their baby.”
Caroline Lee-Davey, CEO of Bliss, emphasized:
“This Act ensures thousands of parents can now be at their baby’s side during the most critical weeks of life. We’re proud to have led this campaign and look forward to working with employers to spread awareness of this vital support.”
⸻
Part of Broader Employment Reforms
The change is part of the Government’s Employment Rights Bill, which is advancing through Parliament and includes:
• Day-one rights for paternity, parental, and bereavement leave
• Menopause support in the workplace
• Stronger protections against unfair dismissal for pregnant women and new mothers
By supporting working families and protecting their payslips, the Government says it is delivering on its promise of national renewal and inclusive economic growth.
⸻
Summary:
The Neonatal Care Leave and Pay Act will allow parents to step away from work when their babies need them most — a vital step forward in family-focused employment rights and compassionate governance.
Let me know if you’d like a condensed version for newsletters or social media graphics!
